Why Is My Tummy Folding in Navel Area? (photo)

Question

Not sure how to ask this. My tummy tuck is only 2days PO (I know things will change over time) I wanted to get other Dr's opinion's as to what causes my tummy to look so pulled in at the navel area. I always had a deep navel (see the before picture) I am just wondering what causes this and will this to pass and flatten out as I go through the healing stages. Also, is it common to feel really dizzy/warm and almost faint first time walking after the surgery, it happened to me 3 times. Thank you

Dana Goldberg, MD · Answer

It's far too early to see your final result, and things may change significantly. That said, some people get this appearance after tummy tuck because they have excess skin from side to side (think about pinching from the sides of your waist toward your navel). The traditional tummy tuck mostly addresses skin from top to bottom (think about pinching from your navel toward your groin).

	The only way to remove the skin from side to side is to add an incision up and down from your breast bone to your groin. Most patients do not want this extra incision, and many times the skin will look much flatter when all the swelling goes down anyway. 

	Another reason for the appearance may be that your surgeon tacked down your navel to keep the deep appearance that you had before surgery. Usually this helps the result look more natural when the swelling goes away. Give things at least 3-6 months before you look at your results very critically. 

	Also, it is very normal to feel warm or faint the first time standing up (and even for the first few days). Be sure to stay well hydrated and avoid taking too much pain medication. You should be able to move and take deep breaths, but you do not want to feel sluggish.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

There is always some degree of irregularity during the early post operative period. I would not, at this point, be too concerned about it. It is possible that the support garment is causing some infolding of the skin around the umbilicus. Try to adjust the garment and see if this helps. Also if you are feeling light headed it can be due to medications such as narcotics or dehydration or blood loss. When you get up sit on the side of the bed for a few minutes before you stand. If the condition does not improve over the next few days contact your plastic surgeon. An abdominoplasty is a big operation and most of your symptoms are not unexpected.

Neil Gottlieb, MD · Answer

It is pretty normal to be concerned about the immediate post operative appearance. However, there is no normal appearance at that time. Swelling and garment pressure have a huge impact on the first few weeks after surgery. The dizzy and warm feeling is likely narcotic and anesthesia and should fade, but have you doctor check your vital signs and exam you frequently if does not.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

It is too early to tell about the shape of the abdomen at this time.  It is always best to follow the advice of your Plastic Surgeon  carefully this early after the surgery.  Changes will be seen  frequently  at this acute postoperative state  .

	Please carefully observe the manner in which you feel dizzy, lightheaded and weak when you get up and change position with early ambulation.  This may be no more than the expected weakness and mild dizziness that is associated  with sedation and dehydration after surgery, but it could also be the signs of an early deep vein thrombosis , which would be a significant and potentially lethal complication of surgery followed by bedrest.  Don't hesitate to call the paramedics and the local hospital if these symptoms occur again.  An evaluation either by your local doctor or the paramedics if your doctor is not readily available may be in order.

	Good luck to you.

	 

	Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Ashok Govila, FRCS, MCh, MS - Account Suspended · Answer

Many thanks for the question and the photos. It seems from the photos that you had tummy tuck along with TT which is also called as mommy makeover. Your photos are taken pre op standing and post op sitting that means this how its going to look at these angles specially 2 days after surgery .There is not much point in giving any opinion in this situation. Wish you good luck

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